Does it snow in Islamabad? Almost never in the city itself, and only occasionally on the Margalla Hills behind it. Winter days are cool and dry, nights often fall close to freezing, and the snow people photograph "in Islamabad" is usually on the higher ridges around Pir Sohawa or on the peaks above the city. If you want reliable snow, you have to drive to Murree and the Galiyat.
Below is what the record shows, what it takes for snow to fall, and what to do if you are visiting in winter and hoping to see some.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Snow in the city | Very rare; notable years include 1964 and 1984 |
| Snow on the Margalla Hills | Occasional, a few years apart; heavy snow is rarer still |
| Last widely reported hill snowfall | February 2016 (later reports of light snow at Pir Sohawa, January 2019) |
| Mean January low and high | About 6 and 18 degrees Celsius |
| Lowest recorded temperature | About minus 4.9 degrees Celsius (January) |
| Reliable snow nearby | Murree and the Galiyat, in January and February |
Does it ever snow in Islamabad city?
Snowfall has occurred only rarely in the city itself. The notable cases usually cited are January 1964 and February 1984. Outside those episodes the city sees rain, fog and frost, not snow. Mean temperatures in winter are mild: for December to February the mean highs run from about 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and mean lows from roughly 5 to 7 degrees, though the record lows have gone below minus 4 degrees in December and January.
That combination explains why snow is so rare. Snow needs temperatures at or near freezing when precipitation falls, and Islamabad's typical winter nights sit a few degrees above that.
Margalla Hills snowfall history
The hills are higher and colder than the city, and they get snow more often, but not every year. Reports that can be dated include:
- Before 2004: More than four inches fell on the hills in 1994.
- 2004: The hills were last covered in snow before 2016.
- 6 January 2012: Pir Sohawa received snow after roughly six years without.
- 11 to 12 February 2016: The first widely reported snowfall in about 10 years. The Met Office described between two and six inches from Pir Sohawa to the western end of the Margallas. Islamabad itself fell to about 2 degrees Celsius that night, while Murree reached minus 4.
- January 2019: Snow was confirmed at Pir Sohawa by Islamabad's deputy commissioner, who warned residents about slippery roads. The Met Office noted it has no observatory at Pir Sohawa and relies on media reports, so the amount was not confirmed.
Sources differ on how often light snow reaches the higher ridges, and the hills are not fully monitored, so treat any list as incomplete. What it does show is that a snowy year is exceptional rather than routine.
Will it snow this winter?
There is no reliable way to know in advance. In late December 2025, social media rumours spread that the summit of Tilla Charouni, at about 1,604 metres the highest point in the Margallas, would see snow. The Pakistan Meteorological Department dismissed them, saying no snowfall was expected, with minimum temperatures around 3 degrees and snow needing conditions at or below freezing.
Practical rule: ignore viral posts and check the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast for a strong western disturbance with sharply falling temperatures. Even then, snow in the Margallas is a possibility rather than a promise.
What if it does snow?
Snow on the Margalla Hills can close or make dangerous the roads to Pir Sohawa and the trails, and trails are steeper and slippery. If snow is forecast:
- Do not attempt to drive up the hill roads in a low car without winter tyres or chains.
- Treat the trails as unsafe until the ice melts, and do not hike alone.
- Expect crowds and congestion as people head for a glimpse, which is the bigger risk to a day out.
- The road to Murree can be the worse for traffic; see our Murree snowfall guide for what happens there.
Where to see snow near Islamabad
If snow is the goal, Murree and the Galiyat are the nearest places where it falls most winters, and the time to go is January and February. Read where to see snow in Pakistan for the wider picture and driving in snow in Pakistan before you set out. Check the weather forecast and road reports the day before, because heavy snow can strand traffic.
When to visit Islamabad if you dislike cold
Winter in Islamabad is usually pleasant by day and chilly at night, with fog possible in the mornings. It is a good season for sightseeing and hiking the lower trails. Our Islamabad weather by month has the seasons in detail, and our when to go guide puts them next to the northern areas.
Is it worth going to Islamabad to see snow?
No. Do not plan a trip around snow in Islamabad, because it may not come. If you are in the city anyway, a cold-front forecast is a reason to check the news; if you want snow for certain, go to Murree or further north in January or February.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Islamabad every year?
No. Snow in the city is very rare, and snow on the Margalla Hills comes only occasionally, every few years.
When did it last snow in Islamabad?
The last widely reported snowfall on the Margalla Hills was in February 2016, and light snow at Pir Sohawa was reported in January 2019. Sources may have missed light events, so check current news.
What is the coldest month in Islamabad?
January, with a mean low of about 6 degrees Celsius and record lows below minus 4.
Where can I see snow near Islamabad?
Murree and the Galiyat, most reliably in January and February.
Is there snow on Tilla Charouni?
Rarely. The summit is about 1,604 metres and snow depends on freezing temperatures. In December 2025 the Met Office said no snow was expected.
